Southern Cross Health Society opened for business in 1961 as New Zealand’s first health insurer. Now, nearly 60 years on, the not-for-profit Friendly Society is New Zealand’s largest health insurance business with more than 879,000 members. In the year ended 30 June 2020, for every $1 received in premiums, the Health Society paid out 85c in claims. This compares to the rest of the industry, paying as little as 61c in the dollar. Our aim is to provide health insurance that helps our members receive sustainable, accessible and affordable quality healthcare services through our Affiliated Provider programme.